Regional

New plaques in Tiong Bahru tell story of ancestors

TWO new plaques, telling the stories of Tan Tock Seng’s descendants Tan Kim Ching and Tan Chay Yan, were unveiled on streets named after them in the Tiong Bahru estate.

About 60 descendants from the Tan clan joined Tanjong Pagar GRC MP Indranee Rajah in unveiling the boards yesterday.

The plaques will give residents a greater sense of heritage, she said.

The board on Kim Cheng street tells the story of Tan Tock Seng’s eldest son Tan Kim Ching, born 1829. He was a rice trader and first leader of the Hokkien Huay Kuan.

He also played a key role in signing treaties that ended wars in South-East Asia.

The other board on Chay Yan Street told the story of Tan Chay Yan, the first rubber planter in Malaya who also donated generously to medical causes.

“I am proud to have my ancestor’s story on a street named after him,” said Sylvia Tan, 82, granddaughter of Tan Chay Yan. “This way, more can know about his good work.” — The Straits Times / Asia News Network